Portable cooking device

ABSTRACT

A portable cooking device ( 2 ) has a base ( 4 ) with at least one heating unit ( 3 ) and a cover ( 5 ) hingedly connected to the back of the base ( 4 ). The cover is movable between a closed position and an open position in relation to the base ( 4 ). At least one flap ( 1 ) is hingedly coupled to a lateral edge of the base ( 4 ). The at least one flap ( 1 ) is movable between a first horizontal position and a second vertical position in relation to the base. At least one of the cover ( 5 ) or the flap ( 1 ) comprises a magnetic element ( 10 ) by which the cover positioned in its open position is magnetically attachable to the at least one flap ( 1 ) positioned in its second vertical position to form a windshield.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of cooking devices withspecial adaption for travelling outdoor and more particularly, to aportable cooking device comprising a base with at least one heatingunit, a cover and at least one flap, wherein a windshield can be createdby the use of the cover and the at least one flap.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cooking meals outdoors is a popular way to enjoy fresh air, have abarbeque and meet friends or during outdoor hiking. The outdoor site canbe a campsite, a park, beach or riverside for fishing, hiking, rockclimbing or any other kind of outdoor recreation. Since open fires arenot allowed everywhere or due to humid conditions not always possible,portable camping cookers, with special adaption for easily being carriedaround have been proven a valuable tool. For portable and foldablecookers it is often necessary to protect the heating means from wind andgusts. By means of a windshield the flames can be kept alive, fuel orgas can be saved and the food does not cool.

The prior art includes an outdoor cooking device as shown in FIG. 1comprising a hinged cover and a base with two heating devices. There aretwo flaps hingeably coupled to the sides of the cover. As shown theseflaps serve mainly as two stabilizing side elements supporting the coverin its opened position. Furthermore, the flaps can serve as a windprotection when folded perpendicularly in relation to the cover and thebase. However, there is no fixation of the flaps provided such that oncethe cover is opened the foldable flaps hang loose due to gravity.Scratching of surfaces of the base can hardly be prevented.

Furthermore the flaps need to be positioned at the lateral sides of thebase in order to enable cooking. If there is no further lockingmechanism of the cover, it is only possible to pose the flaps and thecover to the backside. However, in this position another use of thecover in combination with the flaps is not possible. Therefor this knowncover-flap combination can be used for creating a windshield only.

The primary object of the present invention is to provide a portablecooking device with a multifunctional flap that can be easily attachedwhile being capable of being folded compactly and easy to store. Afurther object of the present invention resides in the provision of afoldable flap capable of being used in various positions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above presented prior art there is a need to optimize theperformance of portable cooking devices. These objects are solved by thepresent invention directed to a portable cooking device comprising abase with at least one heating unit and a cover hingedly coupled to theback of the base. The cover is movable between a closed and an openposition in relation to the base. At least one flap is hingedly coupledto a lateral side edge of the base. The at least one flap is movable atleast between a first horizontal position and a second vertical positionin relation to the base. At least one of the cover or the flap comprisesa magnetic element by which the cover positioned in its open position ismagnetically attachable to the at least one flap positioned in itssecond vertical position to form a windshield.

The inventive portable cooking device provides at least one heating unitin a base section that can be easily covered by the cover. In the closedposition of the cooking device, components as one or two heating unitsstay in the interior of the case built by the cover and the base. Beforeclosing the cooking device the at least one flap can be easily foldedinwardly to be compactly stored. The cooking device can be shaped as asuitcase with a handle, which is easy to be transported.

The heating units may use fuel or gas as well as wood or charcoal or anyother heat source that may be sensitive to the influence of wind. Sinceportable cooking devices are usually used outdoors, wind is often atraveling companion.

In the open position of the cooking device, the at least one flap can bepivoted to the second vertical position. This position can reversiblysecured by a magnetic attachment to the cover. The substantiallyvertical position can prevent wind to enter from the side to the flamesection of the heating unit as well as cooling down of the heated foodsand pots, respectively. Depending on the windiness fuel or gas can besaved by using one or two side flaps as a windshield. By using amagnetic attachment between the flap and a corresponding cover portion astable support of the cover in its opened position is created and theflap can also be easily detached from the cover.

The terms “magnet” or “magnetic” used herein refer to a material that iscapable of asserting an attractive or repulsive force on anothermaterial. Magnets and magnetic materials include but are not limited topermanent magnets such as rare earth magnets e.g. neodymium-iron-boronand samarium-cobalt. The materials to be used have ferromagneticmaterial properties and may include e.g. iron, nickel or cobalt.

The term “first horizontal position” means the inwardly folded positionof the flap. On the one hand this position is necessary for storing theflap in order to close the portable cooking device. On the other handsaid horizontal flap can be used in the open position of the cookingdevice as a cover of the heat unit. Depending on the size of the flapthe cover can be partial or complete with respect to one heating unit.If the stove comprises two heating units the covered part of the otherheating unit can be used as storage surface or protection against dirtor liquids. Thus a multifunctional two position flap is provided.

According to another aspect of the invention the cover and/or the flapis attachable as a magnetic element itself. Alternatively the cover orthe flap have a corresponding magnetic element at the cover interior orflap interior. In this manner either or both surfaces can be magnetic inorder to be attached. One possible configuration is the use of an entireferromagnetic flap which can be coupled to a magnetic element of thecover. The flap may have at least a partial rim at the side facing thecover, the partial rim being attachable as the magnetic element itselfor having a corresponding magnetic element at the cover interior. Oneadvantage of the at least partial rim is that the surface to be attachedis enlarged, thus optimizing the magnetic coupling.

According to another aspect of the invention the magnetic element isprovided with a tape or an adhesive layer in order to be attached to thecover and/or flap. Thus a secure attachment of the magnetic elementitself can be provided. A tape can be used between the base surface ofthe magnetic element and the surface to be attached as well as above andbesides the magnetic element. The latter arrangement provides aprotection against scraping the engaging surfaces.

According to another aspect of the invention a retainer is coupled to aninner side wall of the cover and the magnetic element is attached to theretainer such that said magnetic element meets an upper region of theflap in the vertical position. By using a retainer e.g. shaped as aright angle with flat legs the cover can be positioned substantiallyvertically while magnetically attaching the flap. Thus the use of theretainer prevents that the base surface of the cover is inclined towardsthe heating units. The retainer may be screwed or riveted to the sidewalls of the circumferential border.

According to another aspect of the invention the retainer is attached toat least one side wall of the cover by at least one rivet. By usingrivets for fixation of the retainer to the cover, the retainer caneasily be aligned and positioned during the production process.Furthermore riveting can also be used for the attachment of othercomponents as a base-cover-locking mechanism.

According to another aspect of the invention the retainer is positionedat an angle less than 90° in relation to the surface of the cover inorder to meet the corresponding angle of the flap. Based on the correctinclination of the retainer the magnetic coupling can be optimized. Theinclination of the angle can be adapted to the specific shape of theflap and rim respectively.

According to another aspect of the invention the magnetic element iscovered by a plastic material in order to prevent scratching. Oneadvantage of the use of a plastic material as a foil or a flexiblesnap-on plastic coverage is, that the surface to be attached will not beworn out as common metallic connections.

According to another aspect of the invention the plastic material isformed as a tube in order to secure the magnetic element. The tube canbe elastic and thus be slipped over the free end of an angled retainer.To prevent slipping of the magnetic element, the latter may be securedby an adhesive. However, if using for example shrinkage tubes the magnetcan easily be attached without further attachment means.

According to another aspect of the invention the flap is movableoutwardly to a third horizontal position and is adapted to bemechanically attached to an adjacent side wall of the base in order toprovide an extension of an upper base surface. Combining the firsthorizontal position, with the second and third horizontal positions ofthe flap, a multifunctional three position flap can be made availablefor the user of portable cooking devices. The first horizontal positioncan be used for covering at least part of the heat unit for protectionas well as to store the flap for closing the foldable cooking device,whereas the third horizontal position enlarges the upper base surface,which can be used for various cooking or drying purposes. This surfacecan be used for example for flatware, dishes or food. Depending on thesize of the flap one or more mechanical attachments can be used tostabilize the surface.

According to another aspect of the invention the flap comprises at leastone outwardly protruding hinge pocket and a bracket being pivotally andremovably coupled to the hinge pocket. The bas comprises a snap-lock atthe side wall of the base into which the bracket can be snapped in. Thissnapping mechanism can be utilized to facilitate the rapid assembly anddis-assembly of the components. If the bracket to be snapped has twospaced apart arms, one bracket in the middle of the flap may besufficient for the support of the flap.

According to another aspect of the invention the flap comprises asnap-lock. The free end of the bracket can be secured to the flap by thesnap-lock of the flap. Thus the free end of the flap bracket can beeasily fixated and rattle noise can be avoided, while carrying theportable cooking device around.

According to another aspect to the invention the flap comprises at leasttwo ribs and a circumferential rim delimited by a drainage opening inorder to provide a drainage surface. The ribbed surface enables wetdishes or flatware to dry faster. Whereas the raised rim is provided tohold the liquid back, the relatively small drainage opening enables anoutflow of any collected liquid in a targeted manner. These functionsare especially useful for camping trips and the like, since cleanstorage place is rare and the travelers often have to limit theirluggage to a minimum.

The above and other objects, advantages and features of the presentinvention will become more readily appreciated and understood fromconsideration of the following detailed description of a preferredembodiment of the present invention when taken together with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art portable cooking device inthe open position.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an open portable cooking device with afoldable flap on each side according to a first embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 3 is detailed view of FIG. 2 showing the foldable flap in thesecond vertical position attached to the cover of the portable cookingdevice.

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the magnetic attachment device for theflap.

FIG. 5 is a detailed view showing the flap in the first horizontalposition according to a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the portable cooking device with each flaplocked in a different position according to the first embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 7 is a lateral view of the portable cooking device shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a closed portable cooking device.

Skilled persons in the art will appreciate that the Figures have notnecessarily be drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a foldable cooking device of the prior art. This structureincludes a horizontal base 4 with two heat units 3 and a foldable cover5. Furthermore a flap 1, which is hingedly coupled to the cover 5, isshown on each side of the cooking device 2. In the unfolded positionthese flaps 1 may serve as windshields. However, these flaps 1 have noother function.

FIG. 2 shows a cooking device 2 according to the invention comprisingtwo heating units 3 and a cover 5. The cover 5 is hinged to the back ofthe base 4 by hinges 22. In this embodiment the heating units aregas-powered and each heating unit 3 can be regulated by a regulatingknob 24 being integrated at the front side of the base 4. The cover 5and its circumferential border 6 fits to the base 4 in the closedposition (see FIG. 8), such that the heating units 3 are safely storedand can be easily carried around by the handles 19. Optionally a storagebox 23 may be attached to the cover 5.

Furthermore FIG. 2 shows at each side of the upper base surface 25 aflap 1, which is hingedly connected to the base by hinges 9. The flap 1further comprises a nearly closed circumferential rim 17. According tothe FIG. 1 the left flap 1 is positioned in the second vertical positionand the upper part of the rim 17 is secured by a magnetic element 10attached to the retainer 7. The retainer 7 is attached to thecircumferential border 6. Another retainer 7 for the second flap 1 ispositioned on the opposite side of the circumferential border 6.

The second flap 1 on the right side is shown after being foldedoutwardly into the third horizontal position. Thus this flap is parallelto the upper base surface 25 and may be used for various purposes. Theribs 16 on the surface facilitate drying washed dishes or receiving usedcooking tools. This horizontal flap can also be used for foodstuffs. Anyliquid can be collected by the rim 17, which is limited by a drainageopening 18 on the front side of the flap 1. If enough liquid reaches thefront edge of the flap, the flap can be drained in a targeted manner bythe drainage opening 18.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show details of the magnetic attachment system shown inthe previous FIG. 2, wherein FIG. 3 shows the magnetic attachment withthe flap and FIG. 4 without it. FIG. 3 shows the flap 1 pivoted via thehinge 9 into the second vertical position. Close to the upper corner ofthe rim 17 the magnetic element 10 of the retainer 7 attaches the flap1. FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show that the retainer 7 is riveted to thecircumferential border 6 of the cover 5. The more detailed view of theretainer 7 in FIG. 4 shows that the retainer 7 is not orientedperpendicular in relation to the cover surface but has an angle of lessthan 90° in order to optimally meet the angle of the corresponding rim17 portion.

The magnetic element 10 has a circular shape, but may also be formed asa rectangular plate or otherwise. The relatively thin magnetic element10 may have a diameter of 10 mm and a height of a few mm, e.g. about 2mm. The magnetic element 10 may be a permanent magnet such as rare earthmagnet e.g. comprising neodymium.

Furthermore the magnetic element 10 is covered by a plastic material,which in the shown embodiment is formed as a plastic tube 11. Theplastic tube 11 has the advantage to simultaneously secure the magneticelement 10 and eliminating scraping of the corresponding engagingsurface. Additionally or alternately the magnetic element 10 can besecured by any suitable adhesive material or tape.

FIG. 5 shows a detail of a further embodiment of the inventionillustrating the left side of the portable cooking device 2, when theflap 1 is positioned in the first horizontal position. This position hasto be maintained before closing the cover 5 and connecting the base 4 tothe cover 5 by the locking mechanism 20. The flap 1 is pivotallyconnected to the base 4 via the hinges 9. The rim 17 faces the heat unit3 and partly covers the latter. According to this embodiment thepotential maximum vertical height of the flap 1 is limited by the inwardindentation of the cover border for the cover-base-locking mechanism 20.However, in another embodiment of the invention the height may vary fromthe embodiment shown. Furthermore the shape of the flap 1 can vary e.g.forming triangular, if the function of a windshield is of primaryinterest. Depending on the shape of the flap 1 the position of rivetedretainer 7 has to be adapted as well.

Furthermore FIG. 5 shows a preferred mechanical attachment system for asecure lock to the side wall of the base 4. This attachment system isshown in the closed position and comprises a hinge pocket 13 and abracket 12. The hinge pocket 13 receives the inwardly protruding hingeposts of the free ends of the bracket 12. The distal part the bracket 12is snapped in the snap-lock 14 of the flap. Optionally other forms ofbrackets or hinges can be employed.

FIG. 6 shows a front view of an open cooking device 2 according to theinvention, wherein the left flap 1 is positioned in the second verticalposition for the use as a windshield and the right flap 1 is positionedin the third horizontal position having the function of an extension ofthe upper base surface 25. In this third horizontal position thesnap-lock 14 is not used, since the bracket 12 is snapped into thesnap-lock 15 of the side walls 21 of the base 4 (see also FIG. 7). Thecorresponding mechanical attachment system on the left flap 1 positionedin the second vertical position has a bracket 12 being snapped in thesnap-lock 14 of the flap.

Based on the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 each of the two flaps 1 can bepositioned according to the primary wind direction. In the illustratedexample of FIG. 6 the wind is mainly coming from the left or back. Ifthe wind will turn around to the other side the right hand flap 1 can bepivoted to the substantially vertical position and be reversiblyattached to the magnetic element 10, which is hold by the retainer 7.When there is no wind at all both flaps 1 can be pivoted to the thirdhorizontal position in order to enlarge the upper base surface 25. Afterturning down the heating devices and washing the dishes, the user caneven take advantage of the wind and accelerate drying by posing thewashed dishes or flatware on the flaps stably attached in the secondhorizontal position. These horizontally positioned flaps provide optimaldrainage surfaces being ideal for drying various items.

FIG. 7 shows the embodiment of FIG. 6 viewed from the right side. Inthis perspective, the surface of the left flap 1, being in the secondvertical position, can be seen in the background. With respect to theflap 1, which is mechanically secured in the third horizontal position,only the rim 17, hinges 9, bracket 12 and snap-lock 14 can be seen. Thebracket 12 hinged to the flap 1 is snapped in the snap-lock 15 at theside wall 21 of the base. The position of the snap-lock 12 in relationto the side wall 21 of the base 4 is selected such, that a horizontalposition of the flap 1 can be achieved.

Furthermore two corresponding components of locking mechanism 20 forsecuring the cover 5 to the base 4 are shown on the one hand left fromthe snap-lock 15 of the side wall 21 and on the other hand on thecircumferential border 6 of the cover 5. Furthermore the front sidewalls of the base 4 and the cover 5 comprise carrying handles 19, whichmeet if the cooking device 2 is closed. The closed position of theportable cooking device 2 is shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the cooking device 2 wherein theregulating knobs 24 are not covered in the closed position. Thecircumferential border and the cover 5 are shaped accordingly. Anotherindentation is foreseen for the base-cover-locking mechanism 20 locatedat the side walls 21 of the base 4. The elevation in the middle of thecover surface is due to the mount for the storage box 23 shown inFIG. 1. However, the cover can alternatively be shaped as a planesurface, if the option of a storage box 23 is not desired.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention is herein set forth anddescribed, it is to be understood that various modifications and changesmay be made therein including but not limited to construction andarrangement of elements as well as their composition without departingfrom the spirit and scope of this invention as defined by the appendedclaims and reasonable equivalents thereof.

It should be noted that the term “comprising” does not exclude otherelements and the term “a” and “an” preceding an element does not excludeplurality. The terms “first”, “second” and “third” are only used todistinguish different positions but do not limit the positions to aspecific order.

Further it should also be noted that reference signs in the claims shallnot be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   1 flap-   2 portable cooking device-   3 heating device-   4 base-   5 cover-   6 cover border-   7 retainer-   8 rivet-   9 flap hinge-   10 magnetic element-   11 plastic tube-   12 bracket-   13 hinge pocket-   14 snap-lock of flap-   15 snap-lock of base-   16 rib-   17 flap rim-   18 drainage opening-   19 handle-   20 base-cover-locking mechanism-   21 side wall of base-   22 cover hinge-   23 storage box-   24 regulating knob-   25 upper base surface

1. A portable cooking device (2) comprising a base (4) with at least oneheating unit (3); a cover (5) hingedly coupled to the back of the base(4), the cover (5) being movable between a closed and an open positionin relation to the base (4); and at least one flap (1) being hingedlycoupled to a lateral side edge of the base (4), the at least one flapbeing movable at least between a first horizontal position and a secondvertical position in relation to the base (4); wherein at least one ofthe cover (5) or the flap (1) comprises a magnetic element (10) by whichthe cover (5) positioned in its open position is magnetically attachableto the at least one flap (1) positioned in its second vertical positionto form a windshield.
 2. The cooking device of claim 1, wherein thecover (5) and/or the flap (1) being attachable as a magnetic element(10) itself or having a corresponding magnetic element (10) at the coverinterior or flap interior.
 3. The cooking device of claim 2, wherein themagnetic element (10) is provided with a tape or an adhesive layer inorder to be attached to the cover (5) and/or flap (1).
 4. The cookingdevice of claim 1, wherein a retainer (7) is coupled to an inner sidewall of the cover (5) and the magnetic element (10) is attached to theretainer (7) such that said magnetic element (10) meets an upper regionof the flap (1) in the vertical position.
 5. The cooking device of claim3, wherein the retainer (7) is attached to at least one side wall of thecover (5) by at least one rivet (8).
 6. The cooking device of claim 4,wherein the retainer (7) is positioned at an angle less than 90° inrelation to the surface of the cover (5) in order to meet thecorresponding angle of the flap (1).
 7. The cooking device of claim 1,wherein the magnetic element (10) is covered by a plastic material inorder to prevent scratching.
 8. The cooking device of claim 6, whereinthe plastic material is formed as a tube in order to secure the magneticelement (10).
 9. The cooking device of claim 1, wherein the flap (1) ismovable to a third horizontal position and is adapted to be mechanicallyattached to an adjacent side wall (21) of the base (4) in order toprovide an extension of an upper base surface (25).
 10. The cookingdevice of claim 8, wherein the flap (1) comprises at least one outwardlyprotruding hinge pocket (13) and a bracket (12) being pivotally andremovably coupled to the hinge pocket (13), and wherein the basecomprises a snap-lock (15) at the side wall (21) of the base (4) intowhich the bracket (12) can be snapped in.
 11. The cooking device ofclaim 9, wherein the flap (1) comprises a snap-lock (14) and the freeend of the bracket (12) can be secured to the to the flap (1).
 12. Thecooking device of claim 8, wherein the surface of the flap (1) comprisesat least two ribs (16) and a circumferential rim (17), the rim providinga drainage opening (18).